LNM Mayor addresses Lebowakgomo Zone P service delivery woes
Lebowakgomo – The Mayor of Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality (LNM), Cllr Dr Meriam Molala, has recently engaged with the community of Lebowakgomo Zone P during a report back meeting held at Ponelopele Creche, which was set to address service delivery concerns in the area.
The mayor was accompanied by Executive Committee Chairperson of Infrastructure, Cllr Mamashele Makgahlele and Acting LNM Ward 17 Councillor, Ramoloko Phele.
The public engagement meeting has given residents a platform to voice their frustrations and for the mayor to report back on the municipality’s plans to address those challenges.
Some of the key service delivery issues on the agenda which were highlighted by Lebowakgomo Zone P residents included poor roads conditions and inadequate storm water drainage were all cited as major concerns.
Additionally, unreliable waste collection and inconsistent water supply and issues such as crime and lack of street lighting were also discussed.
Mayor Molala acknowledged the residents’ concerns and outlined the municipality’s plans to address them.
“The municipality in the recent 2024/2025 IDP and Budget has adopted a Township Development Plan which aims to appoint panel of consultants for roads construction and storm water drainage projects. We have measures to ensure consistent waste collection and strategies to improve security in this area, such as increased community CPF patrols and improved street lighting,” said Molala.
The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the mayor and residents agreeing to work together to improve service delivery in Lebowakgomo Zone P.
The parties committed to establishing clear timelines for the implementation of planned improvements, establishing an interim committee for ongoing communication between the municipality and residents and holding further meetings to track progress and address any ongoing concerns.
Meanwhile the LNM has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Limpopo Roads Agency (RAL) as part of the municipal intervention programme based on the District Development Model (DDM).
The MoA is designed to bridge the gap in construction, engineering, and expertise needed to rehabilitate damaged streets and roads in both towns and residential areas.
The agency will be commencing with a road maintenance projects on a 10 km stretch road in Lebowakgomo Zone A, B, S, and Mathibela, which will improve travel conditions for motorists.
The upgrade will benefit residents and businesses, resulting in safer and more efficient commutes.
According to the municipality, as part of the project scope of work, the upgrade will include pothole patches and filling, cleaning of roads, asphalt overlaying, erection of speed bumps, cleaning of storm water facilities and application of road markings.
The municipality said the project will create job opportunities for unemployed locals in various wards through the adoption of Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) guidelines.